Bleeding Espresso

5 July 2009

Kicking Off Travellers Calabria Week with Mimmo’s Music

Starting today and continuing until Friday, July 10, we’re celebrating the fact that lil’ ole Calabria *finally* has a fabulous guidebook dedicated to her:

Travellers Calabria by Lara Dunston and Terry Carter

All this week, Lara will be here answering my questions and sharing Terry’s and her gorgeous photos of bella Calabria.

If you want to start getting acquainted with this dynamic duo now:

Lara describes herself as a “perpetual globetrotter (60+countries) travel writer (40+books, 100s stories for world’s best publishers) living out of a suitcase since Jan 06″ on Twitter (follow @laradunston) and blogs at Cool Travel Guide.
Terry is “a travel and editorial photographer and travel writer. He literally lives out of a suitcase accompanied by a couple of bags of photography gear.” Follow him @terencecarter on Twitter and read his blog at Wide angles, wine and wanderlust.

And you don’t want to miss a single day of the Q and A with Travel Writer Lara Dunston. Why not?

Because I will be giving away a copy of Travellers Calabria every day–that’s FIVE copies total.

Comment once on each post from Monday to Friday to be entered in the drawings; I will pick one winner from Monday’s comments, one from Tuesday’s, etc., and I will announce all the winners next Saturday. All comments must be entered by midnight CET on Friday, July 10.

For extra entries (one per day per person except as below), tweet or post about the contest on Facebook with a link to any one of the contest posts (although preferably this one since it will be the only one with all the rules) AND EMAIL ME TO LET ME KNOW at:

michellefabio5 (at) gmail (dot) com

I will enter your extra entry in the day in which you tweet/post appears, except for today; any tweets/posts today will be entered in the drawing that ends up with the fewest number of entries–which means you can get six extra entries if you tweet/post today and every day of the contest.

In the event you’re lucky enough to win two (or more) copies, you will have the choice of accepting all your winnings or having me pick another winner.

Any questions–feel free to ask!

And what’s a party without music?

Kicking things off is a new CD by my friend Mimmo’s band, Marasà. You may remember Mimmo from our New Year’s Eve celebration and discussion of the chitarra battente.

Well his band is back with their second CD, Sentéri:

This is Calabrese folk music with a twist–a famous Italian rock star (who happens to have a house in Badolato Superiore) even guests on the CD.

The songs are sung in local dialect, but the liner notes have the lyrics in both Italian and Calabrese; if you’re interested in a copy of the lyrics, let me know, and I’ll send you the PDF.

Curious as to what it sounds like?

Head over to Offma, where you can also buy your own copy for 12 euros, or to Marasà’s MySpace page, where you can listen to samples and also, for those of you who will be in southern Italy over next couple months, where you can catch them live in concert–they’re kicking the summer tour off tonight right here in Badolato Superiore. Lucky us!

And, aw heck, since I’m feeling generous, I’ll even give away a copy of the new Marasà CD to a lucky commenter. To be eligible, comment on THIS post by midnight CET on Friday, July 10.

Viva la Calabria!

32 beans of wisdom »

32 beans of wisdom to “Kicking Off Travellers Calabria Week with Mimmo’s Music”

Ciaochowlinda on 05 Jul 2009 at 1:17 pm #

It’s about time there’s a good guide to Calabria. There’s a dearth of info about it here in the states – although we wouldn’t want too many tourists to go and spoil it all.

It’s a fine line, indeed, but a guidebook was sorely needed!

Ciaochowlinda´s last blog ..Fourth of July Salute
Shelly @ Life on the Wild Side on 05 Jul 2009 at 3:00 pm #

I’d love to win the music! And/or the guide books. Someday I WILL get to Italy. I will. I will. I will. . . .

YES! You will! Good luck
Richard Curtis on 05 Jul 2009 at 5:48 pm #

Michelle,

Why does it seem like I am having to “sing for my supper” here? I think you should just send me Mimmos music…I listen to Little Italy on the radio here…..funy while in Italy I used to listen to Lite Favorites out of USA………

Get hot with the pic of the thirda darlilng in the family.

Love and LILght

richard

Oh but I love when you sing, Richard!
jen of a2eatwrite on 05 Jul 2009 at 8:41 pm #

I’m excited about Calabria week – the more I’ve learned about your region, the more I’ve fallen in love with it. I really, really hope to get there some day.

I have a very good feeling you will, Jen

jen of a2eatwrite´s last blog ..When you put your mind to it…
Odds and Ends « Amore e Sapore di Famiglia on 05 Jul 2009 at 7:46 pm #

[...] super blog I refer to often is Bleeding Espresso Michelle Fabio is found just about everywhere on the web but she is someone I so identify with on [...]
wildmanfla on 05 Jul 2009 at 11:22 pm #

Hi Michelle,

Mi marito Steve and I went on for our weekly Pasqualina update and saw your contest for the book and music. Sort of confusing, but we would love to have the CD and/or book. You may remember that I am Calabrese but have yet to see Calabria,having been born in America. I sure do envy you! The CD is fabulous and I especially love the tambourine, which is so true to our folk music tradition. BTW, thanks for the book recommendation of La ‘Bella Lingua. Kisses to the cane and the caprae–esp, Pasqualina.

Aw, thanks! You’re entered for the CD drawing with this comment; you must comment on Lara’s Q&A posts to be eligible for the guidebook…and I promise more Pasqualina soon! She’s growing cuter every day IMHO
adf on 06 Jul 2009 at 2:52 am #

ooooooooh marasà!!!

i looove traditional folk music and my uncle by marriage was from calabria so i’m down with the calavrisi!! eheh

Hee hee…you’d love this! Best of luck
Jo Tedesco on 06 Jul 2009 at 6:38 am #

A book on Calabria with pictures would be just wonderful. I remember being thrilled with the blue guide and it had very few pictures. Then again to compete with my favourite of all times it would have to be good. My all time favourite is Old Calabria by Norman Douglas. I love the way he goes from topic to topic. Very Victorian.

Interesting book, for sure; if you’re not used to or don’ t like the style, it would probably make for a tedious read though, I think.
Gil on 06 Jul 2009 at 6:49 am #

I thought that you were slowing down with your blog posting/ Now it seems you are posting more and more.

Funny how that happens, eh? Actually this isn’t so bad since Lara did nearly all of the writing this week!
Calabria Italy - Travellers Calabria Guidebook for Travel in Calabria Italy | Bleeding Espresso on 06 Jul 2009 at 9:03 am #

[...] away FIVE copies of Lara and Terry Carter’s new guidebook, Travellers Calabria. See details here, but essentially you can comment every day this week for a chance to win Lara and Terry’s [...]
Irene on 06 Jul 2009 at 10:33 am #

We love the nusic of the Italian South. I hope we’ll visit one day, too! That is when this guide will come handy!

Absolutely, Irene! Good luck
Richard Curtis on 06 Jul 2009 at 11:17 am #

would you like to just mail me a cd now? hohohoh

Buon Giorno….short nap and then fishing….yes

Love and Light,

richard

Hee hee hee….
cathy rosinski on 06 Jul 2009 at 4:18 pm #

Amazing! A guidebook just for Calabria. I always like to browse guidebooks about Italy and see how many of them talk about the Amalfi and then Sicily…as if there was nothing in between! Thanks for introducing us to this valuable addition.

Well you know you’re welcome to borrow my copy whenever you like, Cathy
Ice Tea For Me on 06 Jul 2009 at 4:20 pm #

Looking forward to the interview and give aways. Thanks Michelle

My pleasure!

Ice Tea For Me´s last blog ..italia – i made it
Victor Cina on 06 Jul 2009 at 5:26 pm #

I love the music. Its not like anything I’ve heard before. What a unique blend of color and sound.

It is definitely unique, I agree
Francesca on 06 Jul 2009 at 6:40 pm #

I am of Calabrese decent and have never been – but have been to Italy at least 15 times – shame on me! I am so looking forward to learning more and hoping to get to Calabria soon! Good luck and thank you for making such a valuable travel book.

So many Calabrese haven’t been here yet…come on over!
Tumblemoose on 06 Jul 2009 at 6:54 pm #

My goodness but you are a busy camper today! Ok, so now I’ve got something to do to keep me occupied. I’m heading over to look at “Cool Travel” and “Wide Angles” !

Cheers!

George

And be sure to follow Lara and Terry on Twitter too!

Tumblemoose´s last blog ..Inspired Writing for any Writing Project
Nell on 06 Jul 2009 at 7:10 pm #

i adore your site and find all the info on various things food music places books etc enlightening amusing interesting and always make me smile. Hope I get a chance to win a book or a Cd. I wonder if the dialect of calabrese is similar in any way to Terminise? Just putting it out there, as I understand the one from my home town of Termini Imerese.

I think you’ll find *some* similarities, but it won’t be exactly the same. I can understand a lot of Sicilian from understanding Calabrese, so yes, you should be OK Thanks so much for the compliments as well!
Susan di Bonaventura on 06 Jul 2009 at 7:15 pm #

I love love love all your posts !!! and someday I will stay and not just drive through Calabria !!! Every part of Italy has something wonderful to offer !!!

Thanks Susan! So true that every part of Italy has something wonderful
Jo Tedesco on 07 Jul 2009 at 1:10 am #

I an very tense when travelling on mountain roads – but more so in Calabria, where invariably the driver turns around to talk to passengers in the back seat, the music is blaring and on a blind corner you are supposed to listen and hear the other car coming towards you – the other driver beeps their horn on a blind corner! My favourite mountain road though is in the village of Santa Cristina D’Aspromonte where at the “facciate dei due mare” you get the most wonderful view of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. I wonder if the guide book mentions Pulsi – as my relatives said that Madonna is very shy indeed. Visiting her sanctuary made my fingers bleed from hanging on the car as it went around many many bends in the road.
Jo Tedesco

Hah, I haven’t been there, but from the photos, it certainly looks like quite an adventure to arrive there….
Suzie on 07 Jul 2009 at 1:17 pm #

Ciao Michelle,
what a wonderful idea to promote Laras and Terys guidebook – and of course, to promote this fabulous region in Italia, bella Calabria!
Let me win a copy! I need it!
Saluti
Susanne

In bocca al lupo!

Suzie´s last blog ..Red Coral Candle Holder
Deb on 08 Jul 2009 at 5:57 am #

Finally something to fill the travel shelf between Naples & Sicily. Or do we want to let the secret out about how great Calabria is? Can’t wait to own a copy!

So true! Be sure to comment on one of Lara’s Q and A posts to be eligible to win!
Jacquie Olsen on 08 Jul 2009 at 5:28 pm #

My husband and I dream of going to Italy some day and backpack it throughout the beautiful country. To enjoy some of its finest foods – pasta, wine, cheese, breads and pastries. And to listen to its beautiful language of music. Thank you for the opportunity to win this CD. It sounds lovely.

Lovely, indeed! Best of luck

Jacquie Olsen´s last blog ..In God We Trust
Martha Bakerjian on 09 Jul 2009 at 1:28 am #

I love traditional music and often buy CDs of traditional songs when I travel in Italy. I’ll definitely check it out. I posted this up on my blog today, too.

Thanks Martha!

Martha Bakerjian´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Soave Castle
micheal castaldo on 10 Jul 2009 at 12:48 am #

hello Michelle,

just came across your website and just loved to see/read that another fellow Calabrian is passionate about promoting all ‘good things’ about our region.

i renovated my family villa 9 years ago (took 3 years to complete the project) and i’ve hosted over 400 worldly travelers looking to explore Calabria. check out my website to see the photo gallery. Villetta Mimma Vittoria (dot) com

i also have an Calabrian olive oil coop – new york city olive oil coop (dot) com with over 500 members that may be interested in the book as well.

i wuold love to support your website and Lara Dunston and Terry Carter Travellers Calabria book and want to purchase the book in bulk (many copies) to give as gifts to those who stay at my villa or buy my olive oil. please let me know who the publisher is so that i can set up an account.

wishing you, Lara & Terry continued success and I look forward to hearing from you.

cheers,

micheal
ann-marie on 10 Jul 2009 at 7:37 am #

hello! you always have something fabulous to read and be inspired! thank you for sharing with us! ox ann-marie
Clayvessel on 10 Jul 2009 at 7:45 am #

I’m late but I want to enter!

I’ve been to Italy once on a tour and dream of it all the time.
I don’t even know where Calabria is so I need this book!

And I really want the music too!
Clayvessel´s last blog ..Get a Handle on It
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[...] away FIVE copies of Lara and Terry Carter’s new guidebook, Travellers Calabria. See details here, but essentially you can comment every day this week for a chance to win Lara and Terry’s [...]
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[...] Kicking Off Travellers Calabria Week with Mimmo’s Music [...]
Frank on 15 Jul 2009 at 8:43 pm #

Michelle,I would like to name you to be the winnwer of all contests as related to Italy,s regions,because of your Italian Blood that has moved a great lawyer and an extremely beautiful and thoughtful lady to leave your native country(USA)
and come to join the Calabria Family!

Aw thanks Frank
Bleeding Espresso » Badolato Hosts Tarantella Power 2009 on 08 Sep 2009 at 1:56 pm #

[...] the by, in this video, Pelù is singing a song with Marasà, who I’ve discussed before–the song also happens to be on the CD over there in my [...]